The latest news from the world of fashion
All Change at Vogue
British Vogue broke all the ‘rules’ with the appointment of Edward Enninful to the editor’s chair. The title’s first black editor and also the first male, Enninful, who takes over from 25-year veteran Alexandra Shulman, has a background in styling rather than journalism. But his fashion credentials are impeccable, having served as contributing fashion editor for both the US and Italian editions of Vogue. Meanwhile, after just two editions, Vogue Arabia parted company with launch editor Saudi Princess Deena Aljuhani Abdulaziz. Confirming that she had been fired, she issued a statement saying: “I refused to compromise when I felt the publisher’s approach conflicted with the values which underpin our readers and the role of the editor-in-chief in meeting those values in a truly authentic way.” Her replacement is Manuel Arnaut, who is currently editor in chief of Architectural Digest Middle East.
Modest Goes Mainstream
Bahrain’s own Leenaz Design was in the British capital to fly the flag at the first London Modest Fashion Week by Haute-Elan.com. Showing abayas with touches of pastel and white alongside stylish long-sleeved top and legging combos and full body swimwear, the Riffa-based brand was among a number of regional representatives making their mark at the two-day event which attracted more than 3,000 visitors. Eman Al Sarraf, of Leenaz, told reporters: “It’s a milestone for us. We always wanted to be in London, it’s a great market to be in. This is the first fashion week we are attending in Europe. It will help familiarise people with the abayas.”
Posh Targets Fashion
The unlikely marriage of Victoria Beckham, she of the eyewateringly-priced little black dress, and budget US retailer Target has proved a huge success. Pieces, priced between USD6 and USD70 flew out of stores and were reported to be changing hands for more than four times the retail price online. Mrs Beckham herself tweeted that she was overwhelmed at the response to the new line, which features women’s, girls’ and baby collections – her first foray into kids’ fashions, inspired by daughter Harper.
D&G in the Kitchen
Can it be true? Be still our beating hearts. It seems Dolce & Gabbana are heading back into the kitchen. Following last year’s successful collaboration with SMEG to produce a fantastically decorated fridge; this time around the design duo have turned their attention to small appliances and come up with a range featuring blenders, mixers, coffee machines and more. Each sports the collection’s stylised, fun ‘Made in Italy’ branding and is adorned with quintessential Sicilian motifs such as horse-drawn carts and lemons. Unveiled at Milan Design Fair, the collection goes on sale towards the end of the year.
MK Presents ME Capsule
Design house Michael Kors has announced a new capsule of kaftans and handbags designed especially for the Middle East.
Capturing the brand’s relaxed glamour and polished aesthetic, the collection showcases three unique kaftans in varying designs, including graphic leaf-print and floral-embellished versions. Floral studded updates to the Ava, Selma and Ginny handbag groups complement the luxe Kaftans, creating the perfect elegant pairing for any Iftar gathering.
These special styles are expected to be available in May at Michael Kors stores across the region.
Bollywood Style Heads to Dubai
Designer Rocky S, who has dressed some of the biggest names in Bollywood, including Shilpa Shetty Kundra, Akshay Kumar and Bipasha Basu, has launched a styling course, aimed at international students, in Dubai.
The first course of its kind took place at fashion school FAD International Academy where Rocky S gave insights into the world of styling for movies, celebrities and editorial shoots.
He says: “This course offers aspiring stylists a platform to foray into commercial styling for Bollywood and celebrities. It is crucial to appreciate and nurture promising talent and with this course we aim at shaping them to become industry professionals.”
Post Dubai, the course is all set for its India launch in the first week of May at the FAD International Mumbai Campus.
